Self Care in 2018

Wow! Can you believe that it's already 2018? It's been a whirlwind, but now we are writing a new chapter.

Over the years, I have learned how important it is to take care of yourself. The oxygen mask that pops out of the airplane ceiling may be cliche, but we all know who to strap on the life line to first. YOU! By properly caring for yourself, you will have much more to give and be able to sustain a pace at which to accomplish your goals and dreams.

So what is self care? I define self care as taking care of oneself by creating time to do the things which energizes your mind, body, and spirit. For each person, this will look differently. Ask yourself, when do I feel good? How do I nourish my mind, body, and spirit? What do I need to make a priority in my life? Where do I carve out the time to do so?

This has become a passionate mission of mine to relay to all people, but especially women and moms. Let us remember that in order to continue doing #allthethings, you need to first take care of yourself! For me, self care looks like long baths, reading a self motivational book, exercising and stretching, eating better, and using tools like vision boards and affirmations. And finally, spa time!

Long Baths

Call me crazy, but just soaking in a bath, laying horizontally while relaxing is amazing for my mood and overall happiness. After a long stressful day, I love to set one to soak and relax. Water can mimic the water in the womb.... I love watching babies enjoy their bath time! Warm water can help with body aches and pains too. There is an actual science behind it! I also love adding bath fizzies and such with essential oils. Ahhhh!

Reading Books

I love reading and always have. I'm generally an escape reader, where I read books that could absolutely, 100% positively NEVER happen in my life. That being said, over the last couple of years, I have began to also love auto-biographies and now self motivational books. These books get me excited and happy to think about taking control over my life.

Exercising and Stretching

I'm better at the first than the later. Stretching is a work in progress for me. Moving your body improves your mood, promotes better circulation, and helps you sleep better at night! Heaven knows most of us need help with sleep. Find a type of exercise that you enjoy and stick with it. Mix it up when you get tired of the usual. But always have a plan in place so that you will do it! I like to work out at home while listening to podcasts!

Eating better

While I can't claim the gold prize on this one, when you put in healthier choices to fuel your body, the output is always better! You can try limiting sweets and alcohol (which consequently will also improve your skin.) One thing my sister does is not sweets or treats during the week, only on the weekends. I just try to more often so that I do not get overly hungry where I would normally overeat or turn to the candy!

Using tools

Life coaching is my favorite thing that I've embraced this past year. Getting someone to help you focus on what matters most and to be a cheerleader to encourage you when fear and doubt creep in are inevitable! Vision boards are where you put up pictures and words of goals that you want to reach. Spend time each day looking at them. When you achieve the goals, have a binder to put in your successes to remind your mind the next time when you try something new that you have done it before and you can do it again. Likewise, affirmations where you read a mantra and other positive things about yourself help you mind to be converted that you are a winner! Seek out and find supporters in your life and then work so your dreams become reality.

Spa Days

I can't end this blog post without telling you about the benefits of spa days! Work on your facial skin, tight muscles, and sour attitude by spending some time with your Esthetician. This is time greatly spent because you only have one face for a lifetime. I find that my skin is rejuvenated, my muscles are relaxed by slower breathing and a nice light massage, and my attitude is one of gratitude and pure happiness. Make the time at the spa count.

Remember my spa mantra - Breathe, Relax, Let Go! Much love, peace, and blessings to you this coming year!

Don’t forget to Breathe . Let Go . Relax .

Zoey Jolley, Licensed Esthetician